BMW has created a few “Hommage” concept cars over the past dozen or so years, updated versions of the company’s historic models including the M1 supercar and the original 2002. The 3.0 CSL Hommage from 2015 was the coolest of them all, with its radical throwback appearance foreshadowing BMW’s current contentious design cues like the big grille. For BMW M’s 50th anniversary, there have been recent reports that some form of CSL Hommage might actually go into production this year. Now, the car has been officially announced via an Instagram post from M division CEO Frank van Meel.
The throwback coupe is depicted in the two images wrapped in a vibrant camouflage built of images of classic M automobiles, but there are still plenty of tasty details visible. The windows and pillars must remain the same because the new CSL Hommage is undoubtedly based on the current M4 coupe, but other than that, it appears that the bodywork has undergone a total makeover.
The kidney grilles up front are still enormous, but slightly smaller than on the standard M4, and they have a far more appealing design that pinches in at the bottom like on the original CSL concept. A pronounced splitter, a revised hood, oval intakes at the corners of the bumper, reshaped holes below the grille, and what appear to be new LED signatures in the headlights are all there.
But what really demonstrates how different this automobile will be is the rear three-quarter image. The front and rear fenders are wider than on a standard M4, and it appears like the rear fender on the CSL is shaped similarly to that on the 2015 concept car. A comparable spoiler is also present at the top of the roof, and the angular fenders flow into an integrated spoiler that is evocative of the original 3.0 CSL from the 1970s. The license plate has been moved to the area below the trunk lid, and the new CSL sports new wheels, a reworked diffuser, and updated taillights.
According to BMWBlog, the potential new 3.0 CSL will be based on the newly introduced M4 CSL but will have a few mechanical changes. The throwback model will have rear-wheel drive, just like the M4 CSL, but unlike the M4, it will only be available with a manual transmission—a sticker on the camouflage wrap reads “6MT FTW.” Additionally, it will be more potent: The 3.0 CSL is expected to produce 600 horsepower and have a 62 mph top speed of 3.5 seconds, compared to the M4 CSL’s 543 horsepower. Expect an interior that is even more bare for less weight.
The 3.0 CSL will likely not be offered in the US and will only be produced in 50 units. The next CSL BMW is expected to have a starting price of well over $700,000, making it the most expensive production vehicle ever. The 3.0 CSL is anticipated to make its premiere at Pebble Beach later this summer.
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The meaning of BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage
Franciscus van Meel, the head of BMW M, initially hinted at the impending M Hommage model just yesterday. Our first spy photos of the next model have been released twenty-four hours later, and it is sporting the same M-inspired livery as it did in the teaser photos. The automobile appears intriguing, albeit we can’t see all the intricacies.
The updated spy images gave us a clearer view of the design modifications that set it apart from the M4 CSL. The unusual front end of the new 3.0 CSL Hommage model has a smaller kidney grille, revised headlight shapes, a new hood, and a modified front bumper. According to reports, the 3.0 CSL Hommage retains the M4’s weak points while getting custom body panels.
What is a 3.0 CSL BMW?
The 3.0 CSL was a homologation special created in May 1972 to qualify the vehicle for competition in the European Touring Car Championship. 1,265 were built.
In contrast to other BMW designations where the letter “L” stood for “long,” this one’s “L” stood for “leicht” (light) (long). The unit body was made lighter by utilizing thinner steel, doing away with the trim and soundproofing, using doors, a bonnet, a boot lid, and side windows made of Perspex. The importer had insisted on keeping the soundproofing, electronic windows, and original E9 bumpers on these cars, so the 500 3.0 CSLs sold to the United Kingdom were not quite as light as the rest. The CSL wasn’t offered for sale in America.
Initially powered by the same engine as the 3.0 CS, the 3.0 CSL’s displacement was only slightly increased to 3,003 cc (183.3 cu in) by a quarter-millimeter-wider engine bore, bringing it to 89.25 mm (3.51 in). To enable the CSL to compete in the “over three litre” racing category and allow for a small increase in racing cars’ displacement, this was done in August 1972. By expanding the stroke to 84 mm (3.31 in) in 1973, the engine in the 3.0 CSL received a second, more significant displacement increase, bringing its output to 206 PS (203 horsepower; 152 kW) at 5600 rpm and 286 Nm (211 lbft) at 4200 rpm. A tall rear wing, a big air dam, short fins running along the front fenders, a spoiler above and behind the trailing edge of the roof, and this 3.0 CSL’s final iteration were all homologated together in July 1973. The factory did not install the rear wings; instead, they were stored in the boot for post-purchase installation. This was accomplished because using the wings on German highways was prohibited. The racing CSLs’ full aero package gave them the moniker “Batmobile.”
The CSL participated in the European Touring Car Championship in Group 2 form, and CSL drivers won the Drivers championship six times between 1973 and 1979. In addition, the CSL participated in the 1976 World Championship for Makes while sporting the Group 5 Special Production moniker. They fought against racing versions of the Porsche 911 and Ford Capri with some success in FIA Group 4 standard, particularly when driven by Hans-Joachim Stuck (vehicle featured in Enthusia Professional Racing).
The BMW 3.0 CSL was released when?
The BMW 3.0 CSL was the series’ most potent street model starting in 1973. The third stage of development saw the engineers realize their goal of a more competitive character through increased capacity, output, incredibly light construction, and an eye-catching aero package. They also received the moniker “Batmobile” at no cost from BMW supporters.
The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage is it genuine?
Let’s begin by discussing what the BMW 3.0 CSL will be and what it will be called. Even though it will be based on the future BMW M4 CSL, it won’t just be an M4 CSL with a body kit. Instead, it simply uses the car’s skeleton and gets a brand-new coachbuilt body. To be clear, it will be known as the BMW 3.0 CSL and not the CSL Hommage as we initially believed. It isn’t just a tribute to the original 3.0 CSL from the 1970s; it actually replaces it.
BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage has a top speed of?
Although there have been several alterations, there are obvious design similarities to the M4. There are large holes in the front fascia. On the roof and on the back deck, there are wings. The back fenders seem to be broader. Under the bumper, four large-diameter exhaust pipes protrude.
An estimated 600 horsepower (447 kilowatts) and 516 pound-feet (700 Newton-meters) of torque might be produced by the 3.0 CSL Hommage, according to rumors. This should enable a sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of just less than 200 mph (320 kph).
A twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine in the M4 CSL produces 543 horsepower (404 kW) and 479 lb-ft (649 Nm), for comparison. It has a top speed of 191 mph and an electronically regulated top speed of 60 mph (96 kph) in 3.6 seconds (307 kph).
The “6MT FTW” sticker strongly suggests that a six-speed manual transmission will be offered with the 3.0 CSL Hommage. An eight-speed automatic transmission may also be an option for people who don’t want to fiddle with a clutch pedal. The rear wheels most likely receive all of the power.
BMW will only produce 1,000 copies of the M4 CSL, but there will apparently be much more of the 3.0 CSL Hommage. Rumor has it that the manufacturer will only produce 50 of them to commemorate the M division’s 50th year of operation. One is said to cost between EUR 600,000 and EUR 750,000.
Before the year is over, the 3.0 CSL Hommage should make its premiere. Before the public debut, we should witness a lot more of its development.
What number of BMW CSLs exist?
A limited edition model of the M3 called the BMW M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Leichtbau, or “Coupe Sport Lightweight”) was built in 2004, with a total of 1,383 vehicles made. Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic were the two colors offered.
As its name implies, weight loss was prioritized. The CSL weighs 1,385 kg (3,053 lb) at the curb, which is 110 kg (243 lb) less than the standard M3. The use of glass-reinforced plastics at various structural points throughout the vehicle, a roof made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (which lowers the center of gravity and reduces kerb weight by 7 kg/15 lb), carbon fiber body panels, and thinner glass for the rear window are all examples of structural weight reduction measures.
Lightweight fiberboard was used for the boot’s floor cover (not cardboard as infamously described on the Top Gear television show). The M3’s soundproofing, power seats, navigation system, air conditioning, and stereo were mostly removed by the CSL (the latter two were able to be re-added as no-cost options). The center console, door panels, door trim, and headlining are all made of carbon fiber. The front racing bucket seats are made of fiberglass, while the rear seats have a fiberglass backing. Instead of the cruise control, audio, and phone controls found on a standard M3, the M track mode is activated by a single button on the steering wheel. The CSL maintained the normal M3’s 50:50 weight distribution.
The wheels’ diameter was extended to 19 inches. BMW’s decision to equip the CSL with semi-slick tires is rare (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup). These tires performed poorly on wet roads and when below their operational temperature after being warmed up on a racetrack. To alert motorists about operating a vehicle in chilly or rainy weather, a warning label was added to the CSL. Larger floating rotors in the front and larger pistons at the back were added to improve the brakes.
New shock absorbers, firmer springs, and a faster steering rack ratio were added to the suspension system (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3). An “M track mode” was added, allowing greater thresholds before the system intervened, and the electronic stability control was retuned.
The engine utilized in the CSL produced 13 kW (17 hp) more than the normal S54 and 5 Nm (4 lbft) more than the European M3. The adoption of camshafts with a sharper profile, a larger air intake with a carbon fiber manifold, an improved exhaust manifold, and slightly altered exhaust valves are responsible for this. Customers who currently held a motorsports license could order the CSL with the speed limitation removed even if the top speed was already electronically regulated. The 6-speed SMG II automated transmission was the only one available, and new software allowed for shift times of 80 milliseconds.
The aerodynamics were also changed, and a front splitter made of carbon fiber and a rear diffuser made of carbon fiber significantly increased downforce at high speeds. To draw cold air into the newly created air intake, the front bumper had a noticeable hole. Instead of being attached to a flat boot like the ordinary M3, the bootlid was altered to include a raised lip.